June 18, 2025
LGBTQ Weddings
· Weddings
Not everyone dreams of being in front of a camera. Some of us freeze the moment we’re told to “just act natural.” If that’s you I want you to know: you are not alone.
As a wedding photographer in Essex (and across the UK), I work with couples who often describe themselves as camera-shy, introverted, or simply more comfortable behind the scenes than in the spotlight.
I understand that more than you might expect because I feel the same.
Even now, with years of experience behind the lens, the thought of being photographed still makes me a little self-conscious. I find myself wondering: What should I do with my hands? Does my face look weird when I laugh like that? Is my body at a flattering angle?
It’s these little insecurities – so human, so normal – that shape the way I photograph others and why the experience I create is built around trust, calm, and genuine connection.
Here’s what that looks like.
Portraits that feel like you, not a performance
The best wedding portraits aren’t forced or flashy. They don’t rely on stiff poses or dramatic dips.
They happen in the quiet in-between:
A deep breath just after the ceremony.
A shared joke only the two of you understand.
The way your hands naturally find each other, without being told.
I guide my couples gently and never intrusively. I’ll tell you where the light is beautiful. I’ll reassure you when you need it. I’ll always let you in on the “why” behind the moment, so you’re not left wondering if you’re doing it right.
Creating space to simply be
I see portraits not as a “task” on your timeline, but a rare pause in the day;
a moment just for the two of you to slow down, breathe, and reconnect.
Whether we’re walking through the wild grasses at Gaynes Park, or snuggling in a quiet corner at Hedingham Castle, these are the spaces where you can forget about the camera and just focus on each other.
And it’s in those moments that something real and really beautiful begins to unfold.
You don’t need to pose perfectly - you just need to be present
Here’s a truth I hold close: nerves are normal. Imperfections are human. And sometimes, it’s the slightly off moments – the wind in your hair, the way you both burst into laughter – that become the most treasured images.
You don’t need to “fix” anything about yourself to be photographed well. You just need someone behind the lens who sees you clearly, quietly, and kindly.
Want a little extra help to feel ready? I made something for you
If this all sounds lovely but you’re still wondering “How do I actually do that? ” I’ve got you.
I created a free guide called Presence Over Posing: How to Feel Calm, Confident and Completely Yourself in Your Wedding Photos.
It’s filled with gentle, practical ideas to help you shift from camera-anxious to camera-eased – written from the heart, and grounded in my own experience as both photographer and subject.
READY TO BE CAPTURED IN YOUR COMFROT ZONE?
Ready to chat with an empathetic wedding photographer who wants to make you feel amazing?
Get in touch today to check availability and learn more about how we can create timeless, meaningful memories of your wedding day.
